[DebinMD]

You’re very welcome EMF.  The other thing to remember is there are all types of customers out there.  There are customers who think pork rinds, Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer (is that still around?) and possum is a grand dinner, and then there are others who prefer fine French cooking.  I live in a historical, tourist town and see just as many customers in the expensive restaurants around town as I do at McDonald’s during the tourist season.

My target market is completely different from the fauz togs market, so I’m not going to even worry about them since we aren’t competing for the same customers. Differentiate yourself as much as you can in advertising, customer service and every little aspect of your business.  That’s what I’m planning to do. And understanding  the business side of running a photography business will go a long way to becoming successful or not.

The first photography job I had was as an assistant in a photography studio for 4 years. I couldn’t have asked for better training because at the end of those 4 years I was running the studio and had learned everything about the business side of things.  Back then there were no degrees in photography, and this was the advice my college professor gave me if I wanted a career in photography.

Every community college offers courses on running your own business so that’s something you might want to look in to.

Debbie in MD.

[DebinMD]

I’m in the same boat emf, but in my case it’s restarting a business.  Is it even worth it these days?

I started my own photography business in 1990, after working for a photography studio for 4 years. For the past 10 years though I set that aside to focus on homeschooling my son. Now that he’s in college it’s time for me to start my business up again-but the climate has completely changed! Digital cameras have produced tons of faux togs that have started their own businesses, and the market has changed.

While I know they are giving their work away left and right,  let’s face it how many know how to actually run the business side of a photography business? First thing I learned is you don’t price your work cheap because if you do no one will take your work seriously or see it has value. A part of me really hopes there are still customers out there who are willing to pay for quality work instead of whatever is cheapest.

A great part of that is how you market yourself and your images.  Look at other high end businesses. Whole Foods vs. super discounted grocery stores.  High end clothing stores vs. cheap clothing stores.  In each example the goods are better quality (our true pro photos vs. the faux tog photos) and yet people are still willing to pay the higher prices.  Maybe by going after a  high target market we would completely avoid the market the faux togs are going after, and there would be business for both.

Just some thoughts.

Debbie in MD.

 

 

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